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Neville Johnson Oct 2018
There’ll come a day when I’ll look back
At everyone I’ve ever loved
You’ll be at the forefront
Though so long ago
I still think of you
With fondness and regret
I loved you then
As I will when
It’s my time to go
I often wonder how you are
I get only tidbits
A picture here or there
A memory that flits
Like a butterfly
When we did this or that
When I simply held your hand
Hanging at your flat
Life is full of love
More than I could expect
I love you now, as I did then
As I will when it’s my time to go
Neville Johnson Mar 2021
Isn’t it interesting how love comes to stay
You wish for it, can’t find it
Then comes the day
It appears inviting
Enters thriving
Driving each day
You go topsy-turvy
Oh, you’re so thirsty
For more deliciousness
A companion to care for
A reason for living
The future assured
One happy way
You live to love
You love to live
Interesting when love comes to stay
Neville Johnson Apr 2021
When two souls become one
It’s the foundation
The golden ticket
For the journey that is love
Steady and surely
With warmth and purity
The answer to why we live
The cure for all ills
Love in all its permutations
Provides salvation
With the combination of two in love
That’s what happens when two souls become one
It happens every minute, every day
Throughout the world
When two souls become one
It’s a lifetime of affection
A lifetime of connection
Neville Johnson Jan 2017
Memories of you linger and flicker
Over the sands of the time
In wonder I treasure those times together
When the feeling was sublime
You may be gone but not the thought
Of the love that once we knew
So when I pause to remember
In all candor, the thought of you renews
Good wishes I send — that’s all I can do
To the one in the end who loved me so true
For which I shall ever give thanks
Dearest one, I’ll think of you
At the setting of my sun
For once a upon a time
Love was all we knew
The glory of me and you
In the time when we were one
Neville Johnson Sep 2016
It's not about what could have been
But what used to be
I don't look back in anger
Rather misery
What were the good old days
Were not meant to be
Not something you shrug off
You're never free of the memory
Of what we used to do
When it was good for me
But apparently not for her
Wish I could let it be

Where to I go to get back my heart?
I'm now now so alone
Mystified at my misfortune
Alone at home
Nursing this invisible scar
That taunts and haunts me

I liked everything about her
That's what did me in
Gave it all I had
I was in it to win
I've got mementos
To remind me of my love so sure
They need to disappear
Like me into other arms
In a love that's pure
Neville Johnson Nov 2020
Heather is a new arrival in the city of LA
She gets a job at the library
Meager is the pay
She’s trying to be happy
Finding her way
Hoping for love and a baby someday

Nick is new to LA too
He’s in from Edinburgh
Here for three months to do a book on Hal Ashby
Whose papers are stored at the library where Heather works
He is there every day
She helps him find documents and decipher Ashby’s scrawl
They become secret friends
Eating lunch together on a bench nearby

One thing led to another
They begin to hang out
From Venice to hikes in Will Rogers Park
But Heather worries
Is Nick too young?
If the difference is more than 10 years, she tells herself it must be wrong
She learns Nick is 24 to her 37
She is resigned to the fact that this romance cannot go on
Nick returns to Scotland despite their bond

There’s a rendezvous in New York
But ultimately they're resigned to their fate
It won’t work even though it’s been great

Heather drops him an email
Which led to a phone call
Nick says he wants to visit her
But Heather says no
She needs commitment
Surely, that he must know

Here’s the surprise for Nick replies
He wants to live with her
Their future relies on their love
Their love never dies
They are 13 years married with a kid of 10
Today they are showing her the library where they met
Where it all began
Neville Johnson Nov 2021
Why didn’t I say what was in my heart?
I pined for her each day we were at work
We had lunches, danced, we were good friends
But I never told her how I felt
This is how it ends

She left this morning for a job in a new town
We had a goodbye hug
But I didn’t tell her how I felt
So where am I now?
In love with someone who doesn’t know
I want her so bad
Why did she have to go?

Maybe it’s not too late
I should make a trip
Arrive unannounced
I cannot quit
If she is my destiny
I think she should know
Neville Johnson Nov 2017
All those years before you, before us
Are why I get senti over you
Why I make a fuss
My years of longing are gone
For finally I found you
I miss you when you’re not near
I treasure what we have
I'm utterly sincere
Such sass with class
It only took a moment
To fall in love
Second date I knew

It’s been a long time coming
Me and you
A long time, a long time
Neville Johnson Oct 2019
As one entity
They fought for their love
The way it should be
They shared a knowing glance
The hands that clasp
Kisses that mean everything
Why not me?
Why not, and when?
When will it be
That I have someone to love
Someone to marry me?

I want someone who’ll fight for us
Someone who believes in me
Someone to share the good and bad
Someone happy
Which is why sometimes at weddings
There are tears that come from me
I’m happy for the bride and groom
But sad, so sad for me
For I so want my someone
Where can she be?
I have to believe she too
Is searching for me.
Neville Johnson Dec 2016
My wild bird has flown away
Gone to that island in the sun
On her way and carried with her
My heart, my only one

We lived a dream
Ethereal, we realized
How perfect love can be
What we encountered
Under cloudless skies

There beneath the palm trees
We achieved peace and understanding
Sweet and sensuous sighs found at last
Consigned to be in the past perfect tense

For dreams must end
Birds must fly
Carried on cool winds
My wild bird cruises high

The love is not gone
Just her presence
The feelings shall always remain
I'll just have to carry on
They say tomorrow will be a day of rain
Neville Johnson May 2019
I'm going to create a drink and name it after you
The Wildcat I shall call it
It will tantalize and pack a punch
The ingredients shall be mysterious
The recipe known only by me

Only you and I shall drink this concoction
Doing so in rooms alone
Under down comforters
Even when the night is young
We’ll drink to us
I’m thinking of toasts as we speak
Neville Johnson Jun 2023
She’s a wild one
But that’s all right with me
Saucy and elegant
I guarantee
You’ll be entranced
It happens regularly
To anyone who meets her
You see
I’m in love with her
Yes, and she with me
Fine turned into dandy
As I live and breathe
Got me a wild one
And she got me
We could be one
The wild one and me
We could be one
Wait and see
Neville Johnson Dec 2022
Our romance was a gust of wind
And so we flew away
Spent time in heaven
Too bad we could not stay
I shall remember it forever
And miss it just as long
Be thankful for what we had
We were and are a song
That only we could sing
More than just a memory
A feeling in our hearts
It hurts too much to grieve
Neville Johnson Feb 2021
Two for all the good times
Win place and show
In the winners circle
We always go
The plan is to keep on
All the days and nights
To please each other
We won’t give up the fight
We appreciate our good fortune
We know what to do
Keeping it together
Each day something new
Neville Johnson Oct 2021
She’s the light at the end of my tunnel,
The road that takes me home,
The ship that keeps me afloat
And she’s mine alone
Who keeps me together
Gives me hope
Supplies the jokes
Keeps me stoked
Makes it all worthwhile
Down to earth
Always in style
We go good together
One long smile

I love everything about her
Love and affection endlessly
We just roll along an endless road
What should be is now reality

Where was I before her?
Looking for her
When she arrived, so did I
Happy to be her other half
With pride
Ready to please
As long as she is near
I’m happy anywhere

She makes everything beautiful
With her I breathe free
With her, with her
Is where I shall always be
Neville Johnson Sep 2021
All women are cool
Some so very hot
I appreciate them all
Not that I have got
The key to understanding them
As to that I’m lost
They are such a mystery
Usually, they’re the boss

I succumb to their humor
Liveliness and style
I like a woman who is demure
But tough as nails inside

Women rule the world
We work so hard for them
All to make them happy
To be a family man

It’s always been that way
Since Eve and old Adam
Women are so very cool
Ask any men who have ‘em
Neville Johnson Sep 2019
All women are cool
Some so very hot
I appreciate them all
Not that I have got
The key to understanding them
As to that I’m lost
They are such a mystery
Usually, they’re the boss

I succumb to their humor
Liveliness and style
I like a woman who is demure
But tough as nails inside

Women rule the world
We work so hard for them
All to make them happy
To be a family man

It’s always been that way
Since Eve and old Adam
Women are so very cool
Ask any men who has ‘em
Neville Johnson Mar 2021
I wonder what’s she’s doing this weekend
I wonder who she’s with
I wonder if she misses me
I wonder if she’ll kiss someone else
The way she did with me
I wonder if there’s any chance she’ll come back to me
Nope, not gonna think about her anymore
Praying hasn’t done any good
I can’t turn back time
Though surely I would
It’s time to move on
Maybe I could
It’s hard to erase the thought of her
Of us as a couple
Of wishes upon stars
The ones we once made
For dreams to come true
Why did this happen?
I wish I knew
Isolation, my new friend
Along with tears and beers
God how I miss her
I wish she was near

I wonder what’s she’s doing this weekend
I wonder who she’s with
I wonder if she misses me
I wonder if she’ll kiss someone else
The way she did with me
I wonder if there’s any chance she’ll come back to me
Neville Johnson Nov 2017
It’s my only chance to see her
I’m not afraid to die, then go to heaven
I was with her for 56 years
She’s been gone a dozen years
I miss my wife, dear Nell
She was my best friend
She still is, I know she
Watches over me, understand
We had a bond so strong
We didn’t need to talk
We sure got along
If only she hadn’t smoked
We both lost to that
If only, it left me lonely
We had such a blast
Just living day to day
One fun family
Me and her, just me and her
That’s all we did need
So, no, I’m not afraid to die
For when that someday comes
I’ll rejoin her in a peaceful place
And be with my darling one
I wrote the authorized biography of legendary UCLA basketball coach, John Wooden. He once said this; now he is gone. This is an homage to him and his wife, Nell, in verse
Neville Johnson Dec 2021
Benedict Canyon lived with Beverly Hills and stepson, Van Nuys. P. Nut was golfing with Beau Peep, and suggested that Van join them. He declined as ***** Nilly had another foursome with Ali Mony and Mary Land.
        General E. Speaking was at the club, holding forth in his stentorian tones being raptly observed by Al Dente, I. Stan Bul, and if you can believe it, Pia Nissimo.
Moving through the room in search of her next sugar daddy, we encounter Miss I. Sippi, clinging closely to Di Namics on the same prowl. They homed in on Junior Mint, sitting with Al Hambra, Scott Free and Terri Yaki. Val Halla and Buzz Saw introduced themselves to the group, when suddenly Grant Deed fell to the floor, inebriated, stopping the conversation. Marv E. Lous, Mel Ifluous, and Murray Hill carried him, snoring to an easy chair and laid him down.
Cut to Hazel Nuts who was aghast, and turned to Leo ****, making the comment that Buck Wild and Claude Hoppers must have gotten him drunk. Slim Chance begged to differ, asserting it was Gus To, trying to get back at Vin Dictive, who had burned him in a property deal with Grant Deed.
        Ben E. Ficial was amused by **** U. Lar, notwithstanding the looks of Luke Warm and Bea Wildered, who were fearful Buck Wild was going to start a fight with Steve Dore.
        Earnest Money ventured over to Tony Neighborhood, but was shocked at Ana Rexa’s appearance, so he notified Conrad Alert, but Minnie Mise tired to quiet his alert, saying that Tab Oo, who seemed to have the run of the place, demanded the same. Observing this, Martin I said “I need a drink” and corralled Tim Buktu into buying him one.
Tess Osterone was surprising laid-back, maybe that was because his pal, Sandy Beaches, put her at ease. Minnie Appolis, just back from Minnesota, got into an intense discussion with Ruth Less and Mort Ality. I don’t think they like each other.
        Kitty Hawk flew into a rage at smelly Pete Moss, locked into deep conversation with Al Falfa. They both needed a shave and a wash.
Miss Anne Thrope was her usual depressing self, but thank God, she found Ty Lenol to lift her spirits somewhat. Millie Meter went the extra mile for Minnie Van, who struggled to figure out what Al Botross was up to with Tom Foolery.
       What to do with Dewey Decimal, boring everyone who all had his number? So Al Buquerque took charge and invited Hugh Tensils, Ben A Drill and Manuel Shifting to bring him out of his shell.
       Hazel Nuts, surprisingly matched well with Terry Aki, and Mac Rame Teased Mac Arena with a little dance. Ray Ban was a shade introspective and diffident, but had to engage when Polly Ester chatted him up. Take a look at Maxwell House, coffee in hand, who congratulated Gene Splice on his recent editing award. Dorit Os munched on the hors d'oeuvres with Cal Ameri.
       Teddy Bear was his cuddly self, and had a good laugh at Tom Foolery’s antics. It has been ages since Ron de Vouz heard the mellifluous sound of Hugh Kelele’s voice and they immediately embraced.
        What a quartet --- Ma Larkey, Rich People, Oz Mosis, and Ray Vaughn, all who stayed late, always the life of the party.
Perry Patetic moved around the room as though his pants were on fire. Everyone felt sorry for Des Titute: who wouldn’t?
There was Rose Bushes, in the midst of a thorny divorce, to which
Geri Atric could relate, as she had been through the same with Gus T. Winds, who had been represented by the mean lawyer, Ty Rade, who also happened to be present with his chief investigator, Al Ibi.
       Van Couver would not stop extolling the virtues of his native country, so Marshall Amps turned it up to 11 and drowned him out. Finally, Will Power stepped in to tone it down, as Eva Dently was going to leave otherwise.
        Billy Clubs and Lance Corporal stood around menacingly, but it was just for show. Meg A. Phone hit on Jackson Hole. I couldn’t tell if she was getting anywhere. The last to leave were Tex Mex and Dawn Trodden, who had nowhere to go. Cliff Hanger sighed and said he’d be back next year.
Neville Johnson Jan 2023
***** Nilly and his best friend, Nick Name headed towards Malibu where they were to meet Hope Chest for tea. Uh oh, Nan O’Second insisted on going and then spoiled their plans because she wanted to bring Jack Russell. They ended up having donuts where they ran into Deb Enture, who was cooking up some deal with Sue Ffle.
Gus To was in the parking lot where he backed away from Ty Rade, who was his usual self.  Dan Druff and Stanley Cup attempted to intercede but were thwarted by Mo Mentum who halted their efforts.
Then, lo and behold, Ruth Less accompanied by Miss Ann Thrope shouted invective at everyone. This upset bystander Heidi **, who turned and left with Grant Writer. Ed U. Cated just sat in his car and put moves on Claire Voyant.
I always do this at the first of each year.
Neville Johnson Jan 2019
Sue Venir loved Hugh Biquitous, but he was unreliable, so she confided this to her friend, Di Namic who confirmed he’d been seen with Penny Farthing and Miss Chevous. Then she ran into Ken Tucky, who’d just broken up with Jen Erator, and was known to hang with Mel N. Choly. Together, they and Dan Ube went to a party thrown by Perry Winkle at the house of Dana Point.

Con Valescence introduced Sue to Marine Layer who asked Mr. Tucky to join the conversation, and they’ve been conversing ever since. Lou Kemia couldn’t make the party as he was ill. This was confirmed by Nick Knack who’d been informed by Conrad Alert.

Penny Saver left early, heading over to the home of I. Stan Bul, who was throwing a celebration in honor of Hazel Nuts and Grant N. Aid, who were to be married by Will Power, though Miss Givings, his former girlfriend, did not approve. Celebrants included Buzz Saw, Ma Larkey, Ben E. Diction, ***** Pack and of course Ann I. Versary, who deemed it worthy of being remembered. Tom Foolery was always good for a laugh, which was appreciated by Art I. Face, Dee Vice and Tess Osterone.

Some chose to dine alfresco, notably Flora Fauna, Heidi **, and Ed U. Cate. Barb Ituate was a downer, though Ma Larkey tried to cheer her up, watched by Cliff Hanger who wanted to see what happened, until a dispute arose between Ana Conda and Ann Ticipation, who’d both been vying for the attention of Billy Goat.

Meanwhile, in another part of town, Terry Dactyl was in a dispute with Billy Club over Lilly White because of something Miss Conception had reported after hearing from that duo, Caesar Salad and Reuben Sandwich.

Junior Mints tried to mollify the situation with sugary statements, but was interrupted by Yuri Nal, who said he had to go, and then left with Jay Walking and they were off to congregate with Diane Tomeetya.

At the next table General Jive held court in a warlike mood,  that Cary Cature tried to lighten.  With them were Tex Arcana, whose accent was amusing to Bill Collector, Al Gorythm, Tim Buktu and Marv E. Lous, who always had a great time wherever he went.

By then, Bobby Pin, the luscious seamstress, had given up on Peter D. Out, after seeing him clowning around with Butch Wax and Slim N. None, all of them malcontents and disrupters.

In walked Daisy Chain, newly arrived  from the Southern Hemisphere, along with Sydney Australia. Klaus Trophobic had initially agreed to travel with the two of them, but said he had to stay at home. Frank O’Phile overhead this and confided to Phil O’Sophically that there is sometimes merit to such position.

The restaurant was owned by Ty ****, managed by Chuck Wagon, with the food delivered by waiters Clay *** and Terry Aki , assisted by busboyTara Misou.

The next morning, everyone gathered at the home of Dawn Patrol, who was there with her new husband, Earnest Money, after divorcing Perry Mutual. Deb Enture was her maid of honor.  Nick O’Time was nearly late to the party, driving in with Stu Debaker, via a shaky Uber driver named Manuel Shifting.

Al Acrity was his usual sunny self, but not when Den O’Thieves interrupted his conversation, which was shut down by Kay O.

Sherman Oaks and Van Nuys were late, having gotten mixed up on the location. Cliff Hanger was worried about the falling stock market, and as a result was getting drunk with Jack Daniels. Stan Dup was his usually assertive self, but was overshadowed by the always munificent Cy Pres.

Claude Hopper was dressed in yesterdays’ styles, but that didn’t matter to Dov Tail who  was going into business with Matt Chabox, known for his incendiary personality. They had two other partners to round the group out, **** Ular and Ben E. Fit.

Gar Gantuan loomed large, and was unstable when paired with Mo Mentum, who said in such situations, they needed to involve Otto Matic.

Terry Cloth was wrapped around Jan U. Ary, ogled by Barbie Queue and Coleman Lantern.
Neville Johnson Jan 2020
For 30 years TS Eliot wrote Emily of his undying love
He could not dismiss her from his universe
He didn’t even try
Instead he wrote her for he had no other choice
Trying to unburden himself
Giving what they had a voice
She had turned him down initially
So he married someone else
He was never unfaithful
(Unless you count his ardor)
But he was compelled to stay in touch
To hold her close to his heart
For she was ever in his thoughts
Always in his poetry
A part of his life
And so it is, fifty years on those letters are revealed
Words of love that bear repeating
Words that live and breathe
Neville Johnson Jun 2018
Things weren’t going well
They fought too much
Tony decided to move out
Couldn't take another punch
So he got into the Camaro
Then he headed east
Back to Memphis, where he grew up
To Beale Street
All the while he drove
Racing through his mind
Was the question of what he was doing
Was it all about his pride?
Molly wanted commitment
You can’t blame her for that
No more playing house, she said
“Where are we at?,” she had demanded
Tony had misgivings
She was the best that ever happened to him, he recognized
As his life’s truest fact
Another hundred miles he drove
Finally, he turned back
She was his home
Where he had to be
They would make it together
It was their destiny
She opened the door with surprise
Imagine her two bright eyes
Then came this, he spoke
“Every mile I drove was in the wrong direction.
I now realize what we have is golden
What we have is love
What you want, you now have got.”
Then they both cried

That was many years ago
They now own their home
Donna and Jimmy are their kids
How their love has grown
No more wrong direction
Never since that day
As evidenced by the doormat
Which to all they say,
“Welcome to our happy family.”
Indeed they are
In this true story
It turned out that way
Yes
Neville Johnson Nov 2021
Yes
Yes, 1 million times yes
Yes and maybe some more
How many times can I say I love you?
I cannot keep score
I’m a veteran of romance
Been down too many roads
Dead ends and wrong turns
And lonely weekends
Lovers but no love
Affection with some
Until you came along
Over with and done
So Senorita, come this way please
I’m pledging my love
I am weak in the knees
You’re coming with me
Wherever I go
It’s gonna be good
Trust me, I know
Neville Johnson Oct 2020
You can never get too much of love
Ain’t that true?
One dose and you’re hooked forever
Just as you knew
Falling in love and getting married
Isn’t that the dream?

It starts with holding hands
Next the arm around the waist
Followed by a kiss
Then the warm embrace

You connect on many levels
It feels like home
A magical event
No need to roam

It closes the circle
When husband meets wife
You can never get too much love
Welcome to life
Neville Johnson Jul 2017
Mama said "You'll know."
She was right
There was someone meant for me
When it was right, I would know who was the one

I used to stand on the shore
Wondering where or when
Once I thought I knew
But she was just a friend

I thought time would pass me by
Life is like the wind
It goes and flows and can't be stopped
Each day different

But it's all the same when there is no one
To share a love together
I like spending time alone, but not every day!
And so it was for so long
Me, myself and I
Until the day my someone appeared
I can't deny

That I love her, that I know she is the one
Mom was right, I just knew
No more on the run
I knew then, I still do
Love is surely fun
Neville Johnson Jan 2017
You make my day every day  
That's sure easy to say
The world may be complicated
But with you it's easy to navigate
We're rock steady, on an even keel
Our magnificent love affair
Real, so very real

You made my life by becoming my wife
Dragons now are easy to slay
And when we play nook and cranny
Let the orchestra play

Love and balance are two words that define
What it is we've got, what love has wrought
How we are defined
A constant star we are
A ringing clarion bell
A bastion of coolness
What the hell, I'll say it
Purely conceived
I look out for you
You look out for me
Neville Johnson May 2019
You intrigue me
Me and everybody else
Without guile, with style
Chiffon meets batiste with lace
You own any room

You’re much better than me
What say we stay together forever?
I’d play catch-up all the time
But I’m fun to be around
Especially since I’m crazy about you

— The End —